Scripture: John 21:17
[Jesus] said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep…”
Thought for the Day: I am currently attending a conference in San Diego, and on Tuesday evening, Rev. Bill Lee preached for us. Actually, he preached for us, to us, and into us. He used this text from John’s Gospel, and he posed the question: Do you love Jesus with the same intensity you did when you first felt called? Now for this group of clergy, his question challenged us to look at our ministries and query whether or not we were going at this thing with the same passion as we did in the beginning. Though let me suggest that his question was not framed exclusively for clergy. Any Christian could be asked those confronting words. In fact, all Christians should probably do some self-refection with the use of that question. Clearly, Jesus connects the love we have for him with our ability to feed the sheep. Growing in our love for the Living Christ is not like going for a quick spa treatment and feeling all renewed 60 minutes later. It must be intentional and thoughtful and longterm. So listen to the words of Jesus once again, “Do you love me?”
Prayer: I love you, Lord, and I pray that my love will not diminish over the years. Through your spirit and my ongoing commitment to discipleship, let the passion I feel for you and your ways of love grow with both an intensity and a desire to share that experience with others. Amen.
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